Bowen Elementary School

4483 Kalamazoo Ave Se
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
(School attendance zone shown in map)
6/
10
Top 50%
Serving 357 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Bowen Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Michigan for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 30-34% (which is lower than the Michigan state average of 35%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 45-49% (which is approximately equal to the Michigan state average of 45%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is equal to the Michigan state level of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Black and Asian), which is higher than the Michigan state average of 37% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 357 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 82%
  • : Top 50% in MI
  • : 30-34% (Top 50%)
  • : 45-49% (Top 50%)
  • : 40-49% (Top 50%)
  • : Bowen Elementary serves the northwest part of Grand Rapids, MI, covering an area of approximately 2.3 square miles. Most families within the attendance zone can expect a typical drive of 5-10 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge located about 2.1 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education

School Overview

Bowen Elementary School's student population of 357 students has grown by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has grown by 21% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
357 students
Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers
Year Founded
1905
School Calendar
School Motto
Excellence and Equity in Education

School Rankings

Bowen Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 3,025 schools in Michigan (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Bowen Elementary School is 0.76, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.57. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (MI)
#1390 out of 3025 schools
(Top 50%)
30-34%
35%
45-49%
45%
40-49%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
16:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
24%
4%
Hispanic
18%
9%
Black
35%
18%
White
18%
63%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
0.76
(22-23)
30%
33.3%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
74%
45%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
4%
4%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bowen Elementary School's ranking?
Bowen Elementary School is ranked #1390 out of 3,025 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Michigan.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30-34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 35% MI state average), while 45-49% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 45% MI state average).
How many students attend Bowen Elementary School?
357 students attend Bowen Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
35% of Bowen Elementary School students are Black, 24% of students are Asian, 18% of students are Hispanic, 18% of students are White, and 5% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Bowen Elementary School?
Bowen Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is equal to the Michigan state average of 16:1.
What grades does Bowen Elementary School offer ?
Bowen Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Bowen Elementary School part of?
Bowen Elementary School is part of Kentwood School District.
In what neighborhood is Bowen Elementary School located?
Bowen Elementary School is located in the Mapleview neighborhood of Grand Rapids, MI. There are 1 other public schools located in Mapleview.

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Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 357 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 82%
  • : Top 50%
  • : 30-34% (Top 50%)
  • : 45-49% (Top 50%)
  • : 40-49% (Top 50%)
  • : Bowen Elementary serves the northwest part of Grand Rapids, MI, covering an area of approximately 2.3 square miles. Most families within the attendance zone can expect a typical drive of 5-10 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge located about 2.1 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MI Dept. of Education

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